We boarded our Train to Prague at 13:53, down to the minute, which amazing precision - an indicator of what was to come in Germany.

And we were off to the Czech Republic - can you say wow? Our first impressions coming in on the train were that a former Russian State. Use your imagination - very agrarian, former Soviet Tanks and MiGs (yes I am serious), and general behind the timedness, and a hint of Iron curtain darkness. However, when we got to Prague, we realized what a treat we were in for having the opportunity to visit. Oh - and - most importantly of the day - Sean's 21st Birthday!

I finished "What the Dog Saw" during our train ride, and we arrived in Prague at about 7pm, and very easily found our hostel. Prague was extremely developed, but you could definitely sense the air of a former Soviet state. Sean noted, everything was copper (now green from aging) but we exchanged money and went to celebrate Sean's b-day.

Our Profesor Tomás (the MAN) reccomended that we visit a restaurant in Prague called U'Fleku. Sean would not have anything else, and we all wanted to make his 21st the coolest it could have been - in Europe travelling - it doesn't get much better...but then it does. As Tomás told us the restaurant is, "un poco caro, pero vale la pena" (a little expensive, but worth every penny) we were floored.

We walked into a beer hall that was founded in 1499, with long bench style tables, the waiters dressed ridiculously, and took our seats. After ordering a round of beer (which is one of the best I have ever had), we ordered our dinner and all of us enjoyed Brats, Sourkraut, and salad. We were also offered shots of a cider type liquor all night, and the server was very good at his job, making it a challenge of your manhood every time he came around...and as I said after all - Sean was turning 21! So after one of the coolest dining experiences I have ever had, we left to meet some of Sean's friends studying abroad to go out with continuing our celebration.

We went to their apartment, where everyone was playing beer-pong and not a word of Czech - culture shock as we have not seen that kind of "Bru-ha-ha" in months, and we speak nothing but Spanish in Madrid - we left a bit appalled. However, we were taken to a Czech club called Radost FX which was a popular Thursday night spot and partied the night away. We also met Gabby Venture (a friend from Middlebury) there which was super cool - small world.

The following day, we visited the Easter Market in Prague, which was located in their central square, housing a super-cool Astronomical Clock, and later crossed the Saint Charles Bridge to visit the Royal Castle. After a huge hike, we had an excellent view of the city, so we decided to take a break and ponder things. Among our thoughts were:

• How much do you appreciate Madrid now? <- Much More
• Can you believe we have been travelling like this? <- What an Opportunity

• Where are we headed next? <- This was answered in an epic way (read on)

Now it is time for the recount of the real adventure..see next post